A Sorelois who had developed an unhealthy love for MP Marwah Rizqy and harassed her for months was finally declared not criminally responsible, although he swears he understood “this time”.
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“Give me a chance,” Claude Delaney had asked a psychiatrist during a recent evaluation at the Philippe-Pinel Institute.
It is that the 62-year-old accused, who is currently detained in the psychiatric facility, was convinced that he was an “ex-close friend” of the member of the Liberal Party in Quebec. He started with a love letter and then sent many messages to Ms. Rizqy via social media messaging services. He could use terms like “beautiful princess” and then be more virulent, going as far as insults and remarks of a sexual nature.
“I lost several nights of sleep and the accused stole my peace of mind,” the MP said in a statement read to the court. It may seem trivial, but I stopped taking the metro for several weeks, while I have always used this public transport without fear. »
Serious fear
Delaney even showed up in person at a political rally and asked to volunteer. Mrs. Rizqy was pregnant at the time.
“He took steps to find out where he lived,” Marie-Christine Lajoie, of the Crown, said, adding that Delaney had even called the police and claimed the MP had been murdered.
Faced with these threatening remarks, MP had to benefit from special protection. In her statement, she also mentioned that Delaney’s actions had cost the state several costs, including the mobilization of the police in this case.
“I could never forgive myself if one of my employees was a security victim,” the deputy added, saying she had even considered leaving politics because of Delaney’s actions.
He was arrested for the first time, but was released on conditions. And he did it again, this time targeting the MP’s baby. Arrested again, this time he was detained.
“It is disturbing for public figures who work with their faces uncovered, with known working hours,” commented Judge Martin Chalifour.
Delusional disorder
But although he was sent to the Philippe-Pinel Institute, he could not start therapy. In fact, he doesn’t even have any meds yet since he’s not talking crazy anymore at the moment.
“He swears he understood,” testified Dr. Benoit Da Silva this Friday.
The doctor’s conclusion that at the time of the crimes Delaney was suffering from a delusional disorder that left him unable to distinguish right from wrong was therefore declared not criminally responsible.
“He is not proud and intends to do what is necessary to understand,” said his lawyer Me Mileva Camiré. He understands that Mrs. Rizqy is scared. »
Delaney will be transferred to a hospital in Sorel, where he will remain detained until there is no longer a risk to either the community or Ms. Rizqy.
The judge refused to grant him parole that Delaney had requested.
“I just hope to regain my freedom and live a normal life, the plaintiff has absolutely nothing to worry about,” Delaney concluded.
